Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG)

Registration Process

For Eskom and Municipal Connected Customers

This document outlines the registration process for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems in South Africa for customers connected to either Eskom or municipal electricity networks. It provides guidance for homeowners and solar PV installers to ensure compliance with legal and technical requirements.

Understanding SSEG
- What It Is and Who Needs to Register

SSEG refers to a customer-owned generation unit, typically less than 1MW/1MVA in generation capacity, connected to the electricity distribution network. Solar PV is the most common SSEG technology. These installations are governed by a combination of national legislation and regulations (OHSA/EIR), National standards, Local municipal by-laws and regulations as well as the national grid code, administered by NERSA.

Understanding the responsibilities of various role players ensures effective compliance management.

Important Definitions

SSEG

Small Scale
Embedded Generation

Embedded Generation

A generator connected to a
distribution network, typically at
voltage levels of 132kV and lower.

Important Note - Off grid status is not defined
by the amount of energy fed back into the grid
by a Solar PV system.

Off-Grid Installation

A generator exclusively connected
to a private low-voltage network
with no electrical connection to a
distribution network.

Distributor

A distribution licence holder or its
appointed representative
responsible for constructing,
operating, and maintaining the
electricity distribution network.

Prosumer

A customer who enters into an
agreement with a distributor and
generates electricity on their side of
the billing meter with an embedded
generation facility to offset part or all
of their electricity requirements.

NERSA

The National Energy Regulator of
South Africa, responsible for
administering the South African
Grid Code.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Registration: All SSEG systems must be registered with the licensed distributor. Systems above 100kW/100kVA must also register with NERSA.

Compliance: All SSEG systems must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Electricity Installation Regulations (EIR), relevant national standards, and applicable municipal bylaws and regulations.

Responsibilities

What are the responsibilities and requirements for SSEG registration from each stakeholder in terms of the applicable national legislation, regulations, standards, municipal bylaws and the applicable codes?

The Homeowner must:

Request pre-approval from the distributor before installing an SSEG system, to comply with connection agreement terms. Failure to do so would be a contravention of the connection agreement terms between the homeowner and the distributor.
Ensure the SSEG system meets all relevant standards and regulations.
Apply for an SSEG connection and pay the applicable fees.
Sign all the necessary SSEG agreements with the distributor (Eskom or the municipal distributor).

The registered Electrical Contractor (Installer) must:

Install the Solar PV system according to the national installation standards (SANS 10142-1 and SANS 60364-7-712).
Provide the homeowner with a Certificate of Compliance (CoC), all supporting documentation and a portfolio of evidence proving compliance with the installation standards.
Comply with supplier requirements outlined in the EIR section 5(3). See below

Follow municipal bylaws regarding technical specifications (e.g., NRS 097-2-1), inspection, commissioning, and professional sign-off requirements.
Provide the homeowner with an Embedded Generation Installation Report. The Contractor may handle SSEG registration on behalf of the homeowner, but the ultimate responsibility for SSEG compliance remains with the homeowner.

The Municipal Distributor must:

Determine the generation technologies eligible for SSEG based on the distributors network characteristics and environmental targets.
Ensure that the design, installation, and operation of each SSEG facility complies, with technical requirements and standards.
Treat all applications transparently and ensures non-discriminatory access and connection to the distribution network.
Grant network connection access to compliant applicants in accordance with the Net Billing Rules and applicable codes.

Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) Registration Process

The registration process differs slightly based on whether the SSEG system is connected to the Eskom distribution network or a municipal distribution network.

Each distributor (Eskom, City of Cape Town, City Power, etc.) defines its SSEG registration process and technical requirements. Installers and homeowners must adhere to the distributor’s specific requirements.

Municipal Network Registration

The steps below lay out the general SSEG registration requirements for a municipal distribution network. Please consult the specific municipal SSEG requirements for more information. [Register Here]

1. Initial Inquiry

Contact the municipality to understand specific SSEG requirements and by-laws.

2. Application

Complete and submit the municipal SSEG application form providing detailed system information.

3. Approval

The municipality assesses the application for safety, power quality, and grid impact.

4. Installation

Install the SSEG according to municipal requirements and national installation standards.

5. Commissioning

Qualified personnel must inspect and sign off. The municipality may oversee commissioning.

6. Additional Registration

7. Contractual Agreement

Sign a supplementary contract with the municipality.

Eskom Network Registration

The steps below lay out the general SSEG registration requirements for the Eskom distribution network. Please consult the specific Eskom SSEG requirements for more information. [Register Here]

1. Application

Download and complete Eskom’s SSEG application form and submit supporting documents.

2. Assessment

Eskom categorizes the connection voltage, analyses network requirements, and lists legal and technical documentation requirements.

3. Fees and Quotation

Pay the application fee, and Eskom provides a quotation for necessary connection work.

4. NERSA Registration

5. Agreements and Payment

Settle all required costs and sign Eskom-provided documents, including the supply agreement.

6. Installation and Connection

Install the generation portion while Eskom initiates any necessary work on its end.

7. Inspection and Approval

The system undergoes testing and certification asper national standards. The signed Embedded Generation Installation Report must be submitted to Eskom.

8. Account Update

Eskom updates the customer’s billing system based on the new supply agreement.

Additional Considerations

Going Off-Grid

If there is no active grid connection, distributor requirements no longer apply.
Municipal bylaws related to building regulations and fire safety may still be applicable.
Compliance with SANS 10142-1 remains mandatory.

Municipalities Without SSEG Policies

If a municipality lacks SSEG policies, compliance with OHSA, EIR, and national standards remains mandatory.
Homeowners should inquire about potential SSEG policy developments and documentation with the municipality.
Best practices from Eskom and leading municipalities (e.g., Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, George) should be followed.
A registered Professional Engineer should inspect and sign off installations in line with industry best practices.
Installers must adhere to national installation standards and issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC).

Technical Requirements: Standards and Specifications

SANS 10142-1: Wiring of premises, low-voltage installations.
SANS 60364-7-712: Requirements for solar PV power supply systems.
Grid Codes: Distribution and grid codes approved by NERSA.
NRS 097-2-1: Utility interface requirements for embedded generation.
NRS 097-2-3: Simplified connection criteria for low-voltage generators.

Conclusion

Registering an SSEG system involves a structured process to ensure safety, grid stability, and compliance. By following these steps and engaging with Eskom or municipal authorities, homeowners and installers can successfully integrate SSEG into South Africa’s electricity network.

MUNICIPAL CUSTOMERS REGISTER HERE

ESKOM CUSTOMERS REGISTER HERE